Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Your Full Potential

The Secret Marathon

Martin Parnell's third book takes the reader on an inspirational journey into a country known for political chaos and female oppression. In 2016, Martin went on an adventure that many believed was madness: running a marathon in Afghanistan in a quest to fight for women's rights and gender equality. To pre-order book click here.

Keynotes and Workshops

Martin's inspirational story will demonstrate how one person, through determination and persistence can affect change. As someone who went from the mining industry to becoming an athlete ambassador for Right To Play, Martin will take you on a journey that will both amaze and inspire. We can all make a difference, one step at a time. read more...

Giving Back

Free to Run’s mission is to use running, physical fitness and outdoor adventure to empower and educate women and girls who have been affected by conflict. Free to Run supports those living within conflict areas as well as those who have been forced to flee and live as refugees outside of their home countries. So please support Free to Run and make a donation.

First day of filming with Kevin Pennock, Dominique Keller and Philip L Harrison from Fireweed Creative on "The Ageless Athlete", a TELUS Original documentary. Let the games begin. #WatchLocal

Had the pleasure of talking to participants of the marathon / half marathon clinic at CrushCamp about running, taking on new challenges, Free to Run and The Secret Marathon. We can all make a difference.

A pleasure talking to Diana and other Marathon and Half Marathon clinic participants about The Secret Marathon at the Crowfoot Running Room. Running Room RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

This morning I had the honour of running with Dave Proctor along the #1 highway heading into Calgary. Dave is attempting to run across Canada in 66 days covering 7,200kms, averaging 108 kms / day and setting a Guinness World Records. Dave is fund raising for the Rare Disease Foundation. Please support him at https://outrunrare.com/. Thank you.

This morning I was interviewed by two grade 3 students at Prairie Waters Elementary School on the NGO Free to Run. This was part of their "Awakening Passions" project. They had done their research and came up with some indepth questions. Great job boys.

Had the pleasure of Keynoting at the 2018 International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine Conference held at the Banff Springs Hotel. The topic "Ordinary to Extraordinary-One Step at a Time". The message: We can all make a difference!

A pleasure presenting "Ordinary to Extraordinary" to a group of employees at Sport Chek in Calgary. "In life you don't have to do a lot but you have to do something. So, in 2018, what will be your something?"

Had a blast speaking to the Crowfoot Running Room half and full marathon clinics. They were excited to hear about The Secret Marathon 3K to be held in 10 cities across Canada on March 7th. Running, Walking and Working together for Equality. #thesecretmarathon

Had the pleasure of talking to the Wednesday night Run Club at the Glenmore Running Room. Hope to see you at The Secret Marathon 3K at 6.30pm on March 7th at the Eau Claire Running Room.

Huge thanks to Peter Estabrooks for delivering a knock-out punch of $250 towards building an ice rink for girls in Afghanistan. Please help finish the job by donating at www.martinparnell.com . Thank you.